HI-REPS

Information for patients

The HI-REPS Arm Group is an intensive arm exercise programme for people following a stroke. The programme is for people with moderate arm deficits. It requires a referral by one of our UHD or Dorset HealthCare Neuro Therapy Teams.

There is strong evidence that increased intensity improves physical rehabilitation outcomes for people with stroke. HI-REPS provides the opportunity to practice task specific exercises in high intensity numbers, tailored to the individual. The overall aim of the group is to improve the individuals use of their weaker arm in everyday tasks.

The programme consists of:

• 2 hours of group exercise twice a week, for 3 weeks
• self-directed exercises at home
• weekly telerehab session, with coaching support to build confidence in self-directed practice and rehabilitation progression (online)

Referral criteria:

• Referrals by UHD and Dorset HealthCare Neurotherapy staff only
• Stroke diagnosis within the last year
• Has some activity in arm and hand and to be able to exercise for 2 hours
• Able to complete individualised exercises in a group setting
• Able and willing to commit to intensive practice at home
• Pain, spasticity or fatigue does not impact on ability to exercise for 2 hours
• Have functional arm/hand goals
• Is able to independently attend Christchurch Day Hospital or Alderney Hospital on group days for the three week period (no hospital transport provided)

Meet the HI-REPS team:

HI-REPS is run by therapy staff including:

Christchurch Day Hospital:

• Lauren Higgs, Danielle MacQueen and Rebecca Marsh (Physiotherapists)
• Gemma Hodges and Claire Telfer-Knight (OTs)
• Therapy Assistants

Alderney Hospital:

• Gina Turner (Physiotherapist)
• Angie Lazenbury (Therapy Assistant)

We also encourage family members/carers to help in the sessions too (if they are able to).

Educational Topics for telerehab sessions:

• Introduction to the group and the HI-REPS ethos
• Neuroplasticity
• Fatigue
• How to progress you exercises
• How to stay motivated

What participants told us about their HI-REPS Arm Group experience:

• “I was very dubious about whether 3 weeks would achieve anything, very dubious. I thought the timeframe was quite short. I have to say the three weeks was amazing. I would not have believed three weeks ago with what I can do now. Like touching my nose. I have not done that since December!”
• “Always benefits of being in a group - seeing other people being in a similar situation and being able to talk to other people about it. That is beneficial as well as the high reps themselves. Lots of benefits.”
• “At the end of three weeks, I realised unconsciously, I put some toothpaste on my toothbrush with my left hand. I realised I could squeeze my finger and thumb together. I realised it was the same movement as the pegging exercise. For six months I had been putting the toothpaste on a balanced toothbrush with the right hand. So it was almost like a lightbulb moment where I thought oh, that's what it's all about.”
• “I managed to pick up the remote control the other day... It’s good to have a list and to start trying to do things around the house with this arm rather than just leaving it and letting it swing about.”
• “It was a really positive programme. It really emphasised the need to get on with it and high repetitions. The importance of both the theory and practice of high repetitions is to create those new neural pathways.

How to find us:

If you are attending the HI-REPS Group at Christchurch Hospital follow the signs for the Day Hospital and park in Car Park C. Enter the building via the Day Hospital entrance and check in at the reception desk.

Christchurch Day Hospital
Fairmile Road
Christchurch
BH23 2JX
Tel 0300 019 5200

If you are attending the HI-REPS Group at Alderney then park in the public car park towards the back. Enter the building towards the front of the site and report at the therapy reception desk.

Alderney Hospital
Ringwood Road
Poole
BH12 4NB
Tel 01202 718457